Silverhawk Aviation Academy Helps Combat National Pilot Shortage

CALDWELL, Idaho (CBS 2 NEWS) — There is a national pilot shortage, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. In 2017, the FAA says there were 609,000 pilots in the U.S. That number is down 30 percent from 30 years ago, when the FAA says there were 827,000 pilots.

Airlines and airports across the country are feeling the effect, as more people are flying and there are less pilots to fly them. There are multiple theories as to what's contributing most to the decline, but there's one thing that isn't up for debate.

"If you are interested in becoming a pilot or joining the aviation industry, do it now because the jobs are there," said Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at Silverhawk Aviation Academy, Chad Morris.

Silverhawk Aviation Academyin Caldwell is hoping to help get more pilots in the air through their flight schools. They also hope to help veterans in the process.

"We are one of the only schools in Idaho where a veteran can go through training and not have to spend any money out of pocket," said Alisha Sweeney, Director of Student Affairs at Silverhawk Aviation Academy.

If you've served a minimum of one year in the military, you could be eligible for VA benefits. The program allows veterans to earn a degree without going into debt, all while pursuing jobs in the aviation industry.

Morris says he understands the full impact of this program because he's lived it.

"You know, you hear all the time, 'Thank you for your service,' but this feels like a real thank you for the 12 years I served active duty Navy," said Morris.

Morris came to Silverhawk Aviation Academy less than three years ago after deciding on a new life course.

"Being a veteran and just separating from active duty, that was a really scary time for me and my family," said Morris. "This program, being as easy as it was, just made our lives so much better."

Morris quickly worked his way up the ranks, and is now the Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at Silverhawk Aviation Academy.

If you decide to pursue jobs in the aviation field, the Director of Student Affairs at the Idaho flight school says getting started is easy.

"When a student comes through, all they have to do is go get their aviation medical and then once that's done, we have some paperwork we go through and then they can start flight training," said Sweeney.

Students go through extensive training, attending classes, putting in their hours, and checking each and every part of the aircraft before their daily flight. Within a few years or less, students can go on to become commercial pilots.

Silverhawk Aviation Academy says they have a 100 percent hiring rate for those who graduate from their program. For more information regarding degree plans, click here.

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